Derivation of Navy Occupational Exposure Limits (OELS) for Two Solvent Compounds: Vertrel MCA and HFE-71DE

摘要

Currently the US Navy uses the solvent HFC-141b to clean hydraulic gauges in a semi-closed system prior to gauge calibration. The US Navy will not be able to use the solvent HFC-141b after 31 December 2002 because of a ban on its manufacture. The Navy is considering both Vertrel MCA and HFE-71DE as replacements for HFC-141b. Both solvents are azeotropic mixtures consisting of trans 1,2-DCE and either fluorocarbons or ethers Both Vertrel MCA and HFE-71DE have high vapor pressures therefore they are expected to volatilize at room temperature. The potential routes of exposure to solvent during the gauge cleaning process are inhalation of vapors and dermal contact with liquid when pouring new and spent solvents into flasks and containers.